… credits hard work, self-confidence for success

AKSHAYA Persaud’s impressive form in the just concluded Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Franchise League three-day tournament had earned him the leading runs-scorer trophy – an achievement he credited to hard work and self-confidence for the success.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, the former national youth player insists that his hunger to perform and deliver has kept him motivated during the League.
Persaud, who captained the West Demerara franchise, chalked up 510 runs at an average of 72.85, with scores of 41, 9, 43, 33, 151*, 20, 51, 61, and an unbeaten 101. He also claimed four wickets and took nine catches during the seven-week competition.
“When the tournament started, I was hungry, I wanted to do well, and eventually it came,” Persaud said.
He added, “It all comes back to my preparation, working on techniques. I used to work at LBI facility and had someone record my session so I could work on turning my flaws into perfection. When I got the contract, I was selected for West Indies U-19 training camp, and from then to now coaches Esaun Crandon and Rayon Griffith have been good and they keep pushing you to be the best.”
Apart from the hard work and self-confidence in his ability to respond to the challenges and overcome them and the advice from coaches Griffith and Crandon, the former Saraswati Vidy Niketan School student acknowledged that veteran West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul is one of the main reasons he has been in sublime form during the League.
“To be honest, he (Shiv) is my role model and I address him as Pops. When you go into bat he helps with the pressure; he would tell you about playing proper shots. He would advise me in any situation to try and hit the balls in ‘V’ area and to keep the ball on the ground until I get my eyes in and look to score,” Persaud relaied.
Further, with the upcoming first class season set to bowl off on October 26, Persaud now sets his eyes on a senior call-up.
The national selectors are expected to pick a Guyana squad shortly. Three-time reigning champions Guyana Jaguars will open the defence of their title against Jamaica Scorpions at the Guyana National Stadium.